News

August 18, 2009

South Dakota “Connects to Collections” Survey

The Institute of Museum and Library Services recently awarded the South Dakota State Historical Society a planning grant to capture a comprehensive picture of the condition and preservation needs of this state’s historical collections. The Association of South Dakota Museums is collaborating with the Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society in the implementation of this statewide grant.

A survey has been developed to collect the necessary information from the state’s archives, museums, libraries, and historical societies. Smaller institutions are completing the survey via a site visit while larger ones are receiving and submitting it electronically.

The survey results will be used extensively in the years ahead as administrators, policy makers, government agencies, and private funding sources make decisions that affect the preservation of collections. Institutions that tested the questionnaire found it to be a thorough self-assessment, helping them gather information that was useful for long-range planning and funding requests.

We need your help to ensure that all institutions are accurately represented in the final results. If you or your institution has not been contacted regarding the survey, and you would like to participate, please call or e-mail Jane Roth Williams, Associate Curator of Outreach at the SD State Historical Society/Cultural Heritage Center, in Pierre at 605-773-6935 or jane.rothwilliams@state.sd.us.

Surveys should be completed by November 1st, 2009. A final report will be sent to all participants in the spring of 2010.

As a part of the “Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action” this statewide planning project is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and matched with non-federal dollars. This project is a partnership between South Dakota State Historical Society, South Dakota State Library, and the Association of South Dakota Museums.